The American Red Cross aims to save lives through its Home Fire Campaign, launched in 2014 to reduce home fire-related deaths and injuries.
Home fires lead the list of disasters to which the Red Cross responds, attests Carla Maton, Executive Director of the Northwest Georgia chapter, who adds that local fire departments tend to see an uptick in home fires during this time of year due to things such as cooking mishaps and the improper use of space heaters.
The public may visit www.redcross.org for home fire safety tips, according to Maton. The top tip? Check smoke alarms to make sure that they’re in proper working order. If not, the Red Cross can help.
The Red Cross partners with local fire departments, such as the Rome-Floyd Fire Department, to install smoke alarms for those in need.
According to a media release from American Red Cross, Georgia Region regarding the Home Fire Campaign:
Home fires are this country’s deadliest and most frequent type of disaster. Seven people in this country lose their lives to a fire in their home every day.
Because of these tragic statistics, the American Red Cross launched its Home Fire Campaign to reduce home fire-related deaths and injuries. Since its start in 2014, the campaign is credited with helping save more than 2,000 lives, including 240 here in Georgia. Roughly one-third of those who survived were children.
As part of the Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross works with local partners to install free smoke alarms and share fire safety information with families. Through the support of our community partners and dedicated volunteers, the campaign has installed 2.7 million smoke alarms and helped to make 1.1 million homes safer.
HOW TO STAY SAFE
A fire can destroy everything that makes four walls a home in just two minutes — but working smoke alarms can help prevent it from taking your life. Help protect you and your family by testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape drill.
Follow these safety tips, which can also be downloaded on the free Red Cross Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in mobile app stores):
- Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
- Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms to see if they’re 10 years old or older. If so, they likely need to be replaced. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
- In your escape plan, include at least two ways to exit every room in your home. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
- Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like while practicing your escape plan. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
Home fire safety resources are also available in American Sign Language. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and require assistive fire safety equipment, complete this form to request an in-home visit.
HOW YOU CAN HELP After a home fire, Red Cross volunteers work with fire departments to connect with families for needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance and emotional support. Our services are free and available for all those in need. Visit redcross.org and make a donation to support our lifesaving work. There is also a need for volunteers to help families affected by home fires and other disasters. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to become a volunteer.
